Crushin' on some COLOR

So the white death was predicted for the Midwest last night, and I don't know how much the Chicago area got, but Cincinnati had a few flurries and that was the end of the story!  I am not a big fan of winter, and although I think snow looks pretty, I'd rather live in a warm climate; that being said, this frigid weather has me yearning for high 70's warmer temps and some COLOR!  I am ready to say goodbye to drab winter and welcome the warmer months with open arms (and hopefully a full wallet so that I can buy this entire look!)

Necklace / Dress / Clutch / Polish / Sandals

P.S. I am linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving.  Head on over to check out all of the other color crush posts!

Thrifty Thursday: Blush Tones

Today's Thrifty Thursday is brought to you by ... well, my brain of course, but shout out to Emily Schuman for the inspiration!  Homegirl can work a cascading skirt and she knows how to rock a blush tone better than anyone, so I combined the two to bring you a lovely {and affordable} look. 

Aside from the Nars Lip gloss and the Nail Polish, this entire outfit would cost only $140 ($24 for the Nars lip gloss and $8 for the Essie nail polish)!  That is an amazing price to pay for such a gorgeous look.  Head on down to the links to find out where you can buy!

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Click HERE to see old Thrifty Thursday posts!

12.20.2011

Whew, I finally came up for some air and have a lovely look for you today.  Things sure are crazy when you're preparing for the holidays, aren't they?  This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas a week early with my boyfriend's family.  We had a wonderful time filled with food, wine galore, and a rowdy game of Taboo that ended up turning into a crazy game of Charades - it was a VERY fun night.

Despite how busy I've been, I still try to put together polished looks every day for work because I know it's the best way for me to avoid the "winter clothing slump".  The WCS is a syndrome I would best describe as boring pants + plain shoes + drab sweaters outfits because it's too cold in the morning and too dreary outside to muster up any energy to dress well.  This year, I am NOT letting WCS happen to me, and I won't let it happen to you either!

Here is an outfit I wore to work last week with black opaque tights.  I found a similar skirt on sale for $20 at TJ Maxx (but don't call me a maxxinista, because I am not going to lie, those commercials drive me a little batty!) and thought it would look so chic to wear head-to-toe black and throw on my favorite red coat and gold necklace for a little oomph.  I felt so late 50's/early 60's Mad Men-ish in this outfit!  It's wonderful what a classy outfit can do for my mood.  What do you think?

Turtleneck / Skirt / Coat / Sunglasses / Necklace / Purse / Shoes

Friday's Fancies: 10.21.2011

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, this week's Friday's Fancies is dedicated to PINK!  I built my outfit today around the combination of pink cuffed trousers and a fun polka dotted blouse.  Here's an important tip: Layering and the use of a variety of fabrics (and colors) will make your outfit more eye-catching.  This look features the silk blouse on top but then I added another layer in the form of the faux fur vest - just a little addition to make the look more interesting.

Next, add a few tasteful accessories (aren't the loafers awesome?) and you've got a luxurious (and playful!) look!

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As usual, I am linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving!

Guest Post - Ryah Sofia

Hi all!  I wanted to let you know I am guest blogging over at Ryah Sofia blog today.  Angie designs hair accessories and asked me to style a woman's outfit and a little girl's outfit to go with her Tinsel Tidings applique.  Here is a sneak peak of the woman's outfit.  Head on over to Ryah Sofia blog to see the child's outfit and all of the sources for the outfits!

10.12.2011

Pleated skirts are very "in" right now, but they're more than just a trend.  Pleated skirts feel feminine and dainty, but in a dark color they can become both office and night-time appropriate.  I kept the pleated theme going by pairing the skirt with a neutral chiffon top, and then added some fun into the outfit in the form of the purple snakeskin clutch.  Keep the rest of the accessories tasteful (black suede wedges, simple stud earrings, and a single bracelet) so not to overwhelm the simple silhouette.  (Sidenote:  This is not a Thrifty Thursday post, but the entire look just so happens to be only slightly over $200... lucky you!)

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9.13.2011

With it already being mid-September, I am thinking about all of the colors and pieces that I'd like to add to my wardrobe as I prepare for Fall.  At the top of my list are some new trousers and some rich hues like rust and navy.  I spotted the orange blouse below on Top Shop the other day and knew I needed to find a way to get it into my closet (it also comes in a gorgeous slate green color).  The detail is stunning and really makes the piece worth the slightly higher price than, say, an H&M blouse.  Also, the cut on this top is one that would work well on differing body types. Oh and that Birkin bag look-a-like? A cool $55.

What do you want to add to your closet this Fall?

Purse | Top | Pants | Ring | Earrings | Polish | Shoes